Ken Skates AM slams HSBC over Chirk and Ruabon closures

Ken Skates AM has accused banking giant HSBC of abandoning customers in Clwyd South after the company announced plans to close its branches in Chirk and Ruabon.

The Labour Assembly Member said: “I was disgusted by HSBC’s decision to announce the closures of its two remaining branches in Clwyd South.

“Once again the company – which has already abandoned customers in Cefn Mawr, Rhos, Llangollen and Corwen – makes a mockery of its claim to be “the world’s local bank”.

“People rely on these community branches, and they are also vital for local businesses of all sizes to do their day-to-day banking. Both are situated in key communities of Clwyd South and serve customers from villages for miles around.

“After decades of loyalty, it’s another slap in the face for my constituents, and the company shouldn’t be surprised if their customers now repay the complete disregard they’ve been shown by switching banks.
“I was pleased to see Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones make a stand in Parliament last week and brand HSBC’s plans ‘shameful’.

“A couple of years ago the UK Government abandoned its agreement with the banking sector that the last branch in every community should be kept open, and disappointingly no-one wanted to respond to Susan in the House of Commons when she questioned its current policy on banking shutdowns and their effect on our communities.

“I will meet with HSBC to put forward the case for retaining these important facilities for my constituents, and I echo Susan’s view that what is needed is co-ordinated national action. If the UK Government doesn’t act now, more and more North Wales high streets will suffer.”

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